Automatic event triggered balance top-up, money transfer, and location based advertising platform

ABSTRACT

This disclosure provides aspects and embodiments of methods, services, and platforms for prompting users with a zero account balance to send a callback message to a contact informing the contact that the user cannot call them and asking the contact to call the user. This disclosure further provides location determining platforms and rewards platforms for users.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/156,723, filed May 4, 2015. The entire contents of thatapplication are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

MNOs have large proportions of prepaid users. These subscribers often donot remember or are not able to top-up their balances when they need tomake calls or send SMS. Having a solution that allows these subscribersto connect ensures they keep their subscription longer and generatesmore billable traffic.

Additionally, traditional rewards programs offered by brands generallyfocus on long term point collection and are not well suited for emergingmarkets where subscribers constantly churn. To achieve success with arewards based advertising model, the mobile subscriber needs an instantreward for completing the desired behavior (such as clicking a link,viewing a video, or making a purchase). A platform that enables voiceand data airtime is ideal because it is instant cash for subscribers andgives immediate gratification. Currently, there is no solution thatenables brands to offer this type of rewards-based promotion via asingle-click option that functions seamlessly across any mobile devicetype.

Furthermore, companies are always looking for ways to reach consumers atthe right time. Being able to send relevant location based advertisingto a mobile user's personal device is a unique engage consumers.Traditional methods employed typically focus on merely pushing alocation based SMS to a subscriber. These methods are not interactiveand their effectiveness is often not trackable by the brand initiatingthe advertising. An interactive location based mobile advertisingplatform that can also be configured to trigger based on a mobile user'sactions is an invaluable tool for marketers.

SUMMARY

One aspect of this disclosure provides a computer-implemented method forautomatically prompting a user on a mobile device to send a callbackmessage after a triggering event. The method comprises: receiving, at aserver, an indication that a call between the mobile device and adestination address has disconnected; receiving, at the server, anindication that the mobile device has a zero account balance; receiving,at the server, a communication comprising the Mobile StationInternational Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN) of the mobile deviceand the destination address; preparing a first callback messagecomprising one or more first actionable response options; and sendingthe first callback message to the mobile device.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving at theserver a communication comprising the first actionable response optionselected on the mobile device. In certain embodiments, the method alsocomprises determining whether the first actionable response optionselected on the mobile device was positive or negative. In still furtherembodiments, the method additionally comprises logging the firstactionable response option selected on the mobile device.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises sending a secondcallback message to the destination address when the first actionableresponse option selected on the mobile device was positive. In otherembodiments, the method also comprises sending a follow-up message tothe mobile device.

Another aspect of this disclosure provides a computer-implemented methodfor automatically prompting a user on a mobile device to send a callbackmessage after a triggering event. The method comprises: receiving, atthe processor in the mobile device, an indication that a call has beenunsuccessful; receiving at the mobile device a first callback messagecomprising one or more first actionable response options; and displayingon the screen of the mobile device the first callback message. In someembodiments, the method also comprises playing an alert tone when thefirst callback message is displayed.

In certain embodiments, the method further comprises launching anapplication installed on the mobile device, wherein the applicationcauses the first callback message to be displayed. In some embodiments,the application is installed on the SIM card of the mobile device. Inother embodiments, the application is installed on the operating systemof the mobile device.

In some embodiments, the first offer message further comprises anIntegrated Circuit Card Identifier (ICCID), and the method furthercomprises comparing the ICCID of the first offer message to the ICCID ofthe mobile device, wherein a match indicates that further processing ofthe first offer message is permissible.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining whetherthe mobile device can execute instructions contained in the first offermessage. In certain embodiments, the method also comprises determiningwhether the mobile device is roaming. In other embodiments, the methodfurther comprises receiving, in the application, the first actionableresponse option selected by the user. In still further embodiments, themethod also comprises sending a communication comprising the firstactionable response option selected by the user to a server.

This disclosure provides aspects and embodiments of OnePIN's ZeroX™LocaXion™, and XciteMe™ services. These are a cloud based services,methods, and platforms that interact with a client application residingon the phone—either as a downloadable application from an external site,within the device OS (Operating System) or within a SIM (SubscriberIdentity Module) card. The names “Zerox,” “LocaXion,” and “XciteMe” areused throughout this application to refer to multiple aspects andembodiments of the methods, applications, services, systems, andplatforms disclosed herein. The names are not limited to any specificembodiment and can refer to multiple embodiments or individualembodiments. Furthermore, other names are also used to refer toembodiments described herein.

Zerox Description

ZeroX is a personalized call back service subscribers can use when theyare not able to top-up their zero balance subscriptions. Subscriberswith a zero balance can request call backs from other mobilesubscribers. The service reduces subscriber churn and generates morevoice and SMS traffic for MNOs (Mobile Network Operators).

The service is targeted at the prepaid subscriber base, but could beused by any mobile subscriber. When a subscriber who has no availablebalance attempts to make a phone call or send an SMS message, the HLR(Home Location Registry), customer management platform or mobileoperator billing platform informs the ZeroX server either via an SMS, anetwork API, or via web services of the zero balance trigger event. Theplatform checks to determine if the subscriber has the remote clientZeroX application on his device or SIM (Subscriber Identity Module)card. If the subscriber has the application, a command message is sentto the subscriber which triggers the application on his device. Thesubscriber sees a promotion which displays on his screen, and in oneembodiment, he is able to respond to the suggested offer with a singleclick. The choices available to the subscriber are fully flexible andare determined by the MNO. These can be changed at any time. Forexample, in one embodiment an MNO may only wish to provide subscriberswith the call me back option, while in other embodiments, other MNOs maywish to also provide a funds transfer option. In one embodiment, thesubscriber's response is sent from the application to the ZeroX platformvia an SMS, through a short code rated free for the subscriber. The SMSis sent by the remote application. A message is then prepared for theintended recipient (the original attempted call party).

If the subscriber does not have the application, then the platform cansend a standard SMS informing the subscriber that they do not havebalance and should add sufficient funds. If the MNO has a specifictop-up message or a link to a website (or phone number) that istypically included in these messages, all of this information can beconfigured on the ZeroX platform and included in the standard SMS. TheSMS is configurable by the MNO and can be changed at any time.

In some embodiments, ZeroX only works for subscribers who truly have azero balance. This ensures that subscribers who do not have a zerobalance are not able to abuse the system. Abuses with other types ofcall me back services have occurred in MNOs because subscribers who havebalance request call backs from friends and family using a free callback service. Friends, family, and acquaintances become tired of therequests and the services are rendered not very useful. In someembodiments, ZeroX prevents this, and creates a trusted relationshipbetween subscribers. Subscribers who receive a ZeroX message understandthat the sender really has no balance and would like a call back or amoney transfer.

ZeroX is preferably used with a mobile phone, but can also be used withother devices that can be configured to make phone calls. For example,tablets and other computers that include Skype or Google Voice can beutilized with the service.

Benefits of Zerox

Easy to use: Automatically prompts when a call or SMS is attempted butthe subscriber has a no balance. Conveniently appears (no need toremember a short code or USSD string).

Personalized: Uses personalized info (name and phone number) to informthe recipient that a known friend is trying to reach them.

Revenue Generator: Operators increase voice and SMS traffic by enablinga simple and reliable return call mechanism.

Scam Protection: The service can be configured to only work forsubscribers with zero balance; thereby preventing misuse.

The above embodiments can also be implemented in a manner where a clientapplication (either on the phone or on the SIM card) is not required. Inthis instance, a USSD channel is opened and the communications betweenthe mobile subscriber and the platform occur via USSD communications.

LocaXion Summary

The LocaXion service collects a mobile subscriber's location using celltower IDs and other coordinates collected from the SIM card, mobilephone, and mobile network. The location is sent back to a cloud serverplatform. Location information can be automatically collected and sentto the server after a variety of trigger points such as:

-   -   Any time a subscriber turns on his handset    -   After a phone call    -   When a phone call connects to another party    -   After an SMS is sent    -   When asked for location from a command sent from the server    -   After X number of phone calls are made    -   After a specific, predefined target website is visited    -   When a subscriber enters into a specific coverage area defined        by one or more cell IDs or other network identifiers. This        information can be preconfigured within the application. When a        subscriber enters a cell site that matches the preconfigured ID        then the location information is sent to the server.

Once location information is sent to the server, the server can processthe message and determine if subsequent communications should be sentback to the subscriber. In one embodiment, based on the subscriber'slocation information, a message such as an advertisement may be sentback to the subscriber in the form of SMS, MMS, email, or as a commandprompt that triggers a remote client application and which thesubscriber can action (provide feedback, a response, etc.). Theapplication can also store commands that will automatically displayadvertisements when a subscriber enters a specific predefined location.This display can occur automatically and without any communication withthe server. Responses and feedback from the subscriber are then sent tothe server for collection, analysis, and reporting.

Xciteme Summary

XciteMe is a rewards based service that allows brands, advertisers, andmobile operators, and other entities to reward customers with mobileairtime, a points program, or other types of loyalty and participationrewards. Brands and advertisers are able to create interactive adcampaigns in which all subscribers, regardless of their device type, canparticipate. An array of embodiments exist that can be employed bycompanies or brands utilizing the platform. Examples include: Surveyssent to mobile users, requests to participate in a poll, requests to“like” specific brand pages or follow brands on social media sites suchas Facebook and Twitter, prompts to watch a video, requests to add acompany's phone number to the mobile subscriber's phonebook, or requeststo provide the brand an email address. As used herein, the terms “user”and “subscriber” are used interchangeably.

In one exemplary embodiment, Samsung would like subscribers to tellSamsung about their next intended phone purchase. An interactive promptgenerated by the XciteMe cloud server is sent to mobile subscribers andprocessed by a remote client:

-   -   “Earn 2 minutes of free talktime! Tell us about your dream        phone. Free to participate. Click OK to continue.”    -   “My dream phone is:    -   iPhone 6    -   Android device    -   Samsung Edge 6    -   Nokia    -   Other

Subscribers make a selection which is automatically sent back to thecloud server. The server communicates via an API into the MNO's billingsystem providing the MSISDN, date, time, and a unique ID for securityand anti-scamming purposes. The subscriber is automatically credited forthe free airtime and a communication is provided back to XciteMe serverthat the credit was successful. The XciteMe platform then generates aconfirmation message for the subscriber:

-   -   “Thank you for participating! You have been credited 2 minutes        of talk time. Stay tuned for future surveys. We will be giving        away free Samsung 6 smartphones to participants!”

Benefits of XciteMe Service

Benefits of the XciteMe platform include

-   -   Increase awareness and acquire more customers    -   Expose people to new products    -   Increase engagement    -   Reach consumers via an intimate channel    -   Rapidly collect consumer market data    -   Access a permissioned community of engaged consumers (Start the        conversation, enhance the conversation)    -   Reward users for non-purchase interactions. Encouraging        additional interactions can further strengthen loyalty.    -   Deepen engagement and reward for “higher level” tasks (answering        simple questions→providing demographic information→product        purchase)    -   Increase sales

Benefits for MNOs

-   -   Attract marketing spend from brands by offering large, segmented        permissioned groups of shoppers    -   Significant revenue opportunity    -   Deceased subscriber churn due to airtime rewards

Benefits for Consumers

-   -   More valuable connection to brands they care about    -   Instant gratification    -   Immediate, direct, highly valuable rewards

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary basic architecture of theplatform for ZeroX, LocaXion, and XciteMe.

FIG. 2 is a graphical overview illustrating the user interface by whicha user may add a phone number directly into his or her mobile phonebookvia an interactive prompt.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps related to a triggerevent that will lead to the eventual launching of the ZeroX service.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary interaction processbetween a Mobile Operator network and the ZeroX server platform.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of the ZeroXplatform sends a command message to a subscriber based on inputsreceived from the MNO network.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of how the ZeroXapplication is expressed and interacts with the user device, and thusthe user experience.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of how the ZeroXplatform updates the database with subscriber preference results,tracking the participation such that the MNO may modify the frequency ofcampaign depending on subscriber responsiveness.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of how a ZeroXcampaign is designed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary basic architecture of theplatform supporting the ZeroX, LocaXion, and XciteMe services. In oneembodiment, as pictured in FIG. 2, the services utilize the followingconnectivity structure: Mobile Subscriber A experiences a trigger event.This could be a zero balance event in the case of the ZeroX embodiment,it could be a phone call placed to a specific brand in the XciteMeembodiment, or could be that a subscriber moved into a specificgeographic location in the LocaXion embodiment. The trigger event (“1”)is noted by the Operator Switch, data network, SMSC, billing platform,customer management platform, or HLR (Home Location Registry). The MNOnetwork is in constant communication with the cloud platform (“2”). Thisallows for the Mobile Operator Network to notify the platform when aspecific trigger event occurs.

After a trigger event occurs and, subsequently, the required informationnecessary to trigger a campaign is passed to the platform via an API,the platform processes the information and prepares a campaign messageto be sent to a mobile subscriber.

In one embodiment, the platform is connected to a Mobile NetworkOperator SMSC (Short Message Service Center) via an SMPP (Short MessagePeer-to-Peer) connection (“3”). Other connection types in otherembodiments are also possible. In some embodiments, the platform mayalso be connected to an MNO's MMSC (MultiMedia Message Service Center).The Operator SMSC forwards the campaign message to Subscriber A's device(“4”).

The notification appears on Subscriber A's device, at which point thesubscriber selects his or her preferred option. The remote applicationwithin Subscriber A's mobile device forwards the response to adesignated short code at the Operator SMSC (“5”). The Operator SMSCreceives and forwards the response to the platform in the form of abinary SMS message (“6”). The platform parses the message and determinesan appropriate response to Subscriber A based on Subscriber A's devicetype and interest in the campaign promotion.

In the XciteMe and LocaXion embodiments where Subscriber A provided apositive response the promotion, the platform may send a follow-upmessage back to the subscriber. This could be a standard SMS or, inalternative embodiments, may be additional command messages thatinitiate a proactive session. These messages would flow through the MNOsSMSC and MMSC respectively (“7”).

The Operator SMSC forwards the contact information to the device user“(8)”.

In the ZeroX scenario where Subscriber A did not have sufficient fundsand requested a call back or balance transfer, the cloud prepares an SMSmessage to Subscriber B (9) and forwards this to the MNO SMSC. The SMSCdelivers this message to Subscriber B (10). In other embodiments, thiscould also be a command message sent to Subscriber B that triggers aremote client application on Subscriber B's device. Subscriber B wouldthen experience an interactive prompt and could reply to Subscriber Avia the ZeroX service, or initiate a secure funds transfer.

FIG. 2 showcases the user interface a mobile consumer would see when theZeroX service triggers and displays prompts to the consumer after anattempted phone call where the user had no balance. In otherembodiments, the service could also trigger when the user attempts toinitiate a data session or when attempting to send an SMS or MMS withoutsufficient funds.

An attempted phone call is placed from Subscriber A to another mobilesubscriber, Subscriber B. The call is not connected because Subscriber Adoes not have sufficient balance. In one embodiment, immediately afterthe phone call ends, a tone is played by the mobile device, and aninteractive prompt displays as exemplified by stage 100. The textdisplayed to the calling party is fully configurable by Mobile NetworkOperator. In this embodiment, Subscriber A is notified that he has azero balance, and is asked if he would like to send a free message toSubscriber B.

In the embodiment where the mobile user interacts with the campaignmessage and chooses to accept the offer, a second selection can bedisplayed to the subscriber as shown in stage 105. At this stage,Subscriber A has the option of choosing to have Subscriber B call himback, or alternatively can send a request to Subscriber B to transferfunds.

In an embodiment where Subscriber A chooses to send a call-me-backmessage to Subscriber B, Subscriber B receives a notification asexemplified in stage 110. Subscriber A's name is included in the messageso that the notification is personalized. The time and date theattempted call was made are also included:

-   -   Hi, it's Chris Jones    -   I tried to call at 10:31 on 04/12/13 but I don't have any        balance left.    -   Please call me back.    -   Sent using ZeroX

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the steps related to a trigger eventthat will lead to the eventual launching of the ZeroX service. In stage305, a subscriber (Subscriber A) with a zero balance or with low fundsattempts to utilize the mobile network. In one embodiment, a subscribermay attempt to make a phone call to another subscriber. In otherembodiments, the subscriber may attempt to send an SMS or MMS or otherdata communication to another mobile subscriber. At stage 310, thenetwork detects that Subscriber A in stage 305 has insufficient funds tocomplete the call or message initiated. The network disconnects the callor refuses the SMS messages at stage 315. This series of events triggersthe ZeroX service, as outlined in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the Mobile Operator Network as itwould interact with the ZeroX server platform. At stage 405, the mobilephone call placed by Subscriber A is terminated by the network. Themobile operator informs the ZeroX platform that a zero balancecommunication was attempted at stage 410. This notification could happenvia an API, via web services, or via SMS communication where the MNOforwards an SMS to the ZeroX platform with details necessary to triggerthe ZeroX service. The time, date, and MSISDN (Mobile StationInternational Subscriber Directory Number) of the subscriber with nobalance is forwarded to the ZeroX platform at stage 415. In someembodiments, the MNO network may also forward an additional ID toindicate if the subscriber had no balance or merely insufficient fundsfor the communication attempted. In this embodiment, Subscriber A'sMSISDN is identified as the OA (Originating Address). The mobilesubscriber called is known as the DA (Destination Address). The MNOnetwork also forwards the DA to the ZeroX platform in stage 415.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the exemplary process of the ZeroXplatform sending a command message to a subscriber based on inputsreceived from the MNO network. At stage 505, the ZeroX platform receivesthe communication from the MNO network including the OA and DA. Theplatform prepares an appropriate command message at stage 510, based onthe ID and information obtained from the MNO network. The message issent to the remote client on Subscriber A's device at stage 515.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the exemplary process of how theZeroX application is expressed and interacts with the user device, andthus the user experience. At stage 605, the message is received andprocessed by the remote client application. In some embodiments, theclient application may perform an ICCID security check to ensure thatthe ICCID within the command message issued by the platform matches theICCID reported by the SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card in thesubscriber's device. In some embodiments, the client application mayalso perform a roaming check to determine if the mobile user is withinhis home network. A command check to determine that the device is ableto support the issued command can also be included. After all checks arecomplete, the application triggers at stage 610. In some embodiments,the application can be configured to play an alert tone on thesubscriber's device at stage 615. Subsequently, the remote client candisplay text to the mobile subscriber directly on the device screen—theuser does not need to navigate into an SMS inbox or open an applicationto view the notification. The text displayed to the user is fullyconfigurable in stage 620, and is defined at the platform level. Inexemplary embodiment, the mobile user is notified that he does not havesufficient balance to complete his call or send a message to an intendedrecipient:

-   -   “You have a zero balance—your message cannot be sent. Select OK        to send a free message to your friend asking them to call you        back!”

At stage 625, the subscriber can choose to send a message to SubscriberB, the original intended recipient. The user experience can beconfigured to require only a single click response. In the embodimentwhere a subscriber chooses to send a message to Subscriber B, a responseis sent from the remote client to the platform at stage 630. Theresponse includes the phone number of the Subscriber B. If the userchooses not to send a message, a response is sent back to the server atstage 640 indicating the user's preference.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the exemplary process of how theZeroX platform updates the database with subscriber preference results,tracking the participation such that the MNO may modify the frequency ofcampaign depending on subscriber responsiveness.

At stage 705, Subscriber A's selected response to the ZeroX prompt isreceived at the platform. In stage 710, the server processes theresponse and determines if the subscriber indicated a positive ornegative response. If Subscriber A did not wish to send a ZeroX messageto Subscriber B, the platform logs his response for further analysis asindicated at stage 715. If Subscriber A chose to send a ZeroX message toSubscriber B, his response is logged at the platform in stage 720. Theplatform then creates a message to be sent to Subscriber B. In oneexemplary embodiment, the message may state:

-   -   “Hi, it's Chris Jones. I tried to call at 10:31 on 04/12/15 but        I don't have any balance left. Please call me back.    -   Sent using ZeroX”

In one embodiment, the platform may be configured to send a follow-upmessage to Subscriber A at stage 725. This is a configurable message,and could be utilized to inform Subscriber A that a ZeroX message wassent on his behalf:

-   -   “Your call me back request has been sent to 6171234567.”

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the exemplary process of how a ZeroXcampaign is designed. At stage 805, the campaign is defined within theserver. This includes the days and times during which the campaign willbe relevant. Specific geographic regions can also be configured. Atstage 810, trigger events after which the campaign should launched aredefined. Next, during stage 815, the actual campaign text that will beshown to a calling party is defined. In stage 825, configurable countersand rules for the campaign are set. In one embodiment, this couldinclude the number of times a specific unique mobile subscriber, asdefined by his MSISDN, is prompted to send a ZeroX message afterattempting to utilize the MNO network with a zero balance.

EQUIVALENTS

It is to be understood that the foregoing description is intended toillustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined bythe scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art willrecognize, or be able to ascertain, using no more than routineexperimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific embodimentsdescribed specifically in this disclosure. Such equivalents, and otheraspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of thefollowing claims.

1. A computer-implemented method for automatically prompting a user on amobile device to send a callback message after a triggering event, themethod comprising: receiving, at a server, an indication that a callbetween the mobile device and a destination address has disconnected;receiving, at the server, an indication that the mobile device has azero account balance; receiving, at the server, a communicationcomprising the Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number(MSISDN) of the mobile device and the destination address; preparing afirst callback message comprising one or more first actionable responseoptions; and sending the first callback message to the mobile device. 2.The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving at the server acommunication comprising the first actionable response option selectedon the mobile device.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprisingdetermining whether the first actionable response option selected on themobile device was positive or negative.
 4. The method of claim 3,further comprising logging the first actionable response option selectedon the mobile device.
 5. The method of any one of claims 3-4, furthercomprising sending a second callback message to the destination addresswhen the first actionable response option selected on the mobile devicewas positive.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising sending afollow-up message to the mobile device.
 7. A computer-implemented methodfor automatically prompting a user on a mobile device to send a callbackmessage after a triggering event, the method comprising: receiving, atthe processor in the mobile device, an indication that a call has beenunsuccessful; receiving at the mobile device a first callback messagecomprising one or more first actionable response options; and displayingon the screen of the mobile device the first callback message.
 8. Themethod of claim 7, further comprising playing an alert tone when thefirst callback message is displayed.
 9. The method of any one of claims7-8, further comprising launching an application installed on the mobiledevice, wherein the application causes the first callback message to bedisplayed.
 10. The method of one of claims 7-9, wherein the applicationis installed on the SIM card of the mobile device.
 11. The method of oneof claims 7-9, wherein the application is installed on the operatingsystem of the mobile device.
 12. The method of any one of claims 7-11,wherein the first offer message further comprises an Integrated CircuitCard Identifier (ICCID), the method further comprising: comparing theICCID of the first offer message to the ICCID of the mobile device,wherein a match indicates that further processing of the first offermessage is permissible.
 13. The method of any one of claims 7-12,further comprising determining whether the mobile device can executeinstructions contained in the first offer message.
 14. The method of anyone of claims 7-13, further comprising determining whether the mobiledevice is roaming.
 15. The method of any one of claim 7-14, furthercomprising receiving, in the application, the first actionable responseoption selected by the user.
 16. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising sending a communication comprising the first actionableresponse option selected by the user to a server.